Irfan in line for Test debut

One opening batsman, Nasir Jamshed, turned his ankle during a fielding drill. Another, Mohammed Hafeez, had a viral infection that kept him out of the practice match, his only chance to get batting practice ahead of the second Test. And the wicketkeeper, Sarfraz Ahmed, was hit on the nose by a delivery from the team's premier spinner, Saeed Ajmal.

Add that to the two players who were sent home injured, Taufeeq Umar and Haris Sohail, and it is obvious that Pakistan have not had the best time in South Africa. But Misbah-ul-Haq does not seem to mind.

In fact, he was full of good news two days before the Newlands match. Jamshed, he said, was feeling much better and is available to play. Hafeez would be over his illness in time and Sarfraz's nose has got over the shock. "It was just a small thing," Misbah said, dismissively.

The best news though, particularly for neutrals interested in novelty, is that the 7ft 1in quick bowler, Mohammed Irfan could make his debut on Thursday. Always cagey about team selection before a match, Misbah would not confirm it except to say "hopefully," when asked if Irfan was likely to play but all the signs point to it.

Irfan took match figures of 7 for 40 against the Emerging Cape Cobras. His discipline was much sharper than it had been in the first practice game, played against a South African Invitation side in East London, where he was the most expensive bowler in the first innings.

Still, he was the most imposing presence on the field even then and many expected him to play for the first time in Tests at the Wanderers, where the bounce would have been to his liking. "When he wasn't selected to play, we were surprised," Alviro Petersen, South Africa's opening batsman said. "We had done a lot of analysis is on him and he definitely offers something different."

Misbah explained that as much as temptation existed to play Irfan at a venue like the Bullring, it was more important to ensure he is completely ready for a Test match. "He is really improving, his fitness is improving and his second and third spells are getting better," he said. "He is also able to pitch the ball in the right areas more often and is generating good pace, even when pitching the ball up."

Morne Morkel, who is shorter than Irfan but is the only bowler who speaks on a similar scale about the difficulties with height, said before the Wanderers Test that it is more important to get the fuller lengths correct for tall men because that is where they are likeliest to struggle. Should Irfan feature in the Newlands Test, that will be his main challenge.

Even though the bounce in Cape Town is not as steep as in Johannesburg, the physical presence of Irfan alone may give Pakistan a psychological boost which some may argue is much needed. Petersen thinks they are "a little scarred," by what happened to them in the first Test but Misbah dismissed such concerns. "Whenever you come to these conditions, you need to be mentally ready. It's always a challenge, but we must forget what happened in the first Test," he said.

He also indicated that Pakistan will not tinker with their batting line-up to include an extra opener to bat at No.3 and see off the new ball if needed. "Wherever you go in the world, six batsmen and a wicketkeeper have to take responsibility," Misbah said. Everywhere but South Africa, of course, where a seven-man batting line-up is the new strategy.

Misbah is not letting the strengths of the opposition play on his mind too much. He knows that South Africa are the No.1 team in the world and were "far better," than Pakistan in the first Test. All he wants is to see his team perform to their potential, as they have done under his leadership so far.

"We are improving, in terms of batting and in terms of attitude," he said. "I am really confident that these guys can fight back. Whenever we've had tough times, we have been able to come out of it," he said. Newlands may not be as difficult as the Wanderers, but it will still need a stunning effort to beat South Africa where only Australia have managed to since readmission.

Big challenge for Pak. Stats say it all. On this ground only AUS has defeated SA!!
Pak fans should not expect too much from the team. As long as they put a decent performence, they should be happy. SA no doubt are the best with 4 top quality batsmen(Smith, Kallis, Amla, AB) and 3 premier fast bowlers. Any team with 7 high quality players will likely to win.
Saying that PAK despite not having past greats bowlers like Imran, Waqar, Wasim, Asif etc have a decent attack. I know Gul is not favourite among a lot of fans but he has a good fitness level and can bowl a lot of overs in a test. May be he is lucky with Asif and Amir out of the team. Pak managment has done a good job with Irfan and unlike past, they havent rushed him to play a test match. If wicket is slower than the last match, tuck tuck Misbah and Asad should be players to watch for Pak. As long as Pak team bats about 100/120 overs or so (a big if though), they can post a fighting score.
SA to win the test!!!

on February 13, 2013, 13:30 GMT

azhar is a greAt batsmen but not in form, younis should bat at number 3 and azhar should at number 4.

stormer1980
on February 13, 2013, 11:46 GMT

@ guduji71 .. LOL .. that sounded more like a prayer than being positive .. This is Smith , Kallis , Steyn ( more recently ) , Robin Peterson and Philanders Home ground ... This is Big Vern backyard .. Bowled Aus out for 49 , New Zealand didn't stand a chance and you praying for a miracle ?

For cricket sake , I hope it's a tight contest .. I really do .. But the best Pakistan could do is draw this test match ... As for your bowlers , why so much trash talk about Gul .. he looked the more comfortable bowler , economical and looked good .. Your spinners let you down .. Ajmal was abysmal .... I do think you should make space for this lanky dude .. he seems an exciting prospect ... always good to see players like this coming through the ranks in any country .. Exciting stuff ... End of the day .. We love cricket !!!!

Good Luck Pakistan .. and go SA ... !!!!!

on February 13, 2013, 11:36 GMT

Just waiting for the one dayers, i see no chance in Test matches

Guduji71
on February 13, 2013, 11:09 GMT

I am making a prediction here that Pakistan is going to win this match. It will be a very hard fought win but Pakistan will win this test match in the end. Lets keep your hopes up guys. Be optimistic, this is cricket any thing can happen, all these big guns of SA can stop firing and remember that this team has a habit of "Chocking". I am hopeful and I want yous to be hopeful as well. I hope Misbah and his team will play with unity and give their best. Come on Pakistan.......

Sports4Youth
on February 13, 2013, 9:52 GMT

With a FC bowling average of 21, Rahat is an excellent bowler. He can easily become another Philander. But this is not the way to launch a younster. He should be first given some opportunities against some lesser teams. Then before such a tought series he should have been inforrmed that he is going to play against this formidable opposition so he can be mentally prepared. Then there should be some seniors who should be able to guide him, without interfering too much. Also the other bowlers should be good enough to keep the pressure on. But what did we have here.

Wasim & Waqar were lucky in that respect. They had Imran to guide thme when they were young and raw. Umar Gul cannot take care of himself, leave alone guiding the younsters. Gul also bowls short and wide with the new ball so the batsmen can easily leave all the balls and get thier eyes in and get their feet moving.

I am sure Junaid , Sadaf & Rahat can form a formidable attack if given time together.

.

pauliangenius
on February 13, 2013, 8:38 GMT

Yesterday I had a dream that SA will collapse for Under 150, but then Pak after going well for 103/2, will collapse below 150 to give SA a slender lead and then Sa will win this match. OOPs!!! sorry Pak fans

I agree with to completely. When the whole world was talking about the worlds tallest man to make debute on a pitch that has a lot of extra bounce and zip, I though Irfan got a perfect platform to launce himself at 145 kmph. But Misbah did not like it. So he chose an additional reinforcement Medium pacer, who wasnt even part of the original squad. I say this becuase it effects the physical prepartaion and the mental state of the person, leave alone match fitness. Through out the match Rahat bowled at 135 kmph. He was immaculate with his line and lengths, but wasnt aggressive himself. That required some aggressive bolwers at the other end. But what did we have, Gul. Though Junaid always shows some fire. But the combination is all messed up. No planning at all. Lack of aggression. If Smith would have enforced the follow on, pakistan would have lost the game by an innings and under 3 days.

.

SlingshotPace
on February 13, 2013, 7:36 GMT

Why on Earth did Irfan not play in the first test!?!? You're going to make a bowler fresh from good form sit out and instead play a POS debutant new to INTERNATIONAL CRICKET let alone test cricket???? Oh my Lord, these Pakistani's have some sort of mutation in their blood that apparently doesn't allow them to have the desire to win....to the PCB and anyone involved in selection, you are PATHETIC!!!!

on February 13, 2013, 7:30 GMT

pakistan lacks quality batsmen and experianced bowlers...all hands up...deep in our hearts we know that we dont have that fire power to coup with africans...they are far ahead...misbah is good captain but bad/slow batsman who dont know how to make runs in front of quality test bowling...hafeez isnt a test material, younis has passed his prime, azhar ali and asad shafiq can resist but cant turn the table, nasir is a decent enough batsman but he cant play 2 sessions straight away....thats it

dontlikecricket
on February 12, 2013, 23:45 GMT

Big challenge for Pak. Stats say it all. On this ground only AUS has defeated SA!!
Pak fans should not expect too much from the team. As long as they put a decent performence, they should be happy. SA no doubt are the best with 4 top quality batsmen(Smith, Kallis, Amla, AB) and 3 premier fast bowlers. Any team with 7 high quality players will likely to win.
Saying that PAK despite not having past greats bowlers like Imran, Waqar, Wasim, Asif etc have a decent attack. I know Gul is not favourite among a lot of fans but he has a good fitness level and can bowl a lot of overs in a test. May be he is lucky with Asif and Amir out of the team. Pak managment has done a good job with Irfan and unlike past, they havent rushed him to play a test match. If wicket is slower than the last match, tuck tuck Misbah and Asad should be players to watch for Pak. As long as Pak team bats about 100/120 overs or so (a big if though), they can post a fighting score.
SA to win the test!!!

on February 13, 2013, 13:30 GMT

azhar is a greAt batsmen but not in form, younis should bat at number 3 and azhar should at number 4.

stormer1980
on February 13, 2013, 11:46 GMT

@ guduji71 .. LOL .. that sounded more like a prayer than being positive .. This is Smith , Kallis , Steyn ( more recently ) , Robin Peterson and Philanders Home ground ... This is Big Vern backyard .. Bowled Aus out for 49 , New Zealand didn't stand a chance and you praying for a miracle ?

For cricket sake , I hope it's a tight contest .. I really do .. But the best Pakistan could do is draw this test match ... As for your bowlers , why so much trash talk about Gul .. he looked the more comfortable bowler , economical and looked good .. Your spinners let you down .. Ajmal was abysmal .... I do think you should make space for this lanky dude .. he seems an exciting prospect ... always good to see players like this coming through the ranks in any country .. Exciting stuff ... End of the day .. We love cricket !!!!

Good Luck Pakistan .. and go SA ... !!!!!

on February 13, 2013, 11:36 GMT

Just waiting for the one dayers, i see no chance in Test matches

Guduji71
on February 13, 2013, 11:09 GMT

I am making a prediction here that Pakistan is going to win this match. It will be a very hard fought win but Pakistan will win this test match in the end. Lets keep your hopes up guys. Be optimistic, this is cricket any thing can happen, all these big guns of SA can stop firing and remember that this team has a habit of "Chocking". I am hopeful and I want yous to be hopeful as well. I hope Misbah and his team will play with unity and give their best. Come on Pakistan.......

Sports4Youth
on February 13, 2013, 9:52 GMT

With a FC bowling average of 21, Rahat is an excellent bowler. He can easily become another Philander. But this is not the way to launch a younster. He should be first given some opportunities against some lesser teams. Then before such a tought series he should have been inforrmed that he is going to play against this formidable opposition so he can be mentally prepared. Then there should be some seniors who should be able to guide him, without interfering too much. Also the other bowlers should be good enough to keep the pressure on. But what did we have here.

Wasim & Waqar were lucky in that respect. They had Imran to guide thme when they were young and raw. Umar Gul cannot take care of himself, leave alone guiding the younsters. Gul also bowls short and wide with the new ball so the batsmen can easily leave all the balls and get thier eyes in and get their feet moving.

I am sure Junaid , Sadaf & Rahat can form a formidable attack if given time together.

.

pauliangenius
on February 13, 2013, 8:38 GMT

Yesterday I had a dream that SA will collapse for Under 150, but then Pak after going well for 103/2, will collapse below 150 to give SA a slender lead and then Sa will win this match. OOPs!!! sorry Pak fans

I agree with to completely. When the whole world was talking about the worlds tallest man to make debute on a pitch that has a lot of extra bounce and zip, I though Irfan got a perfect platform to launce himself at 145 kmph. But Misbah did not like it. So he chose an additional reinforcement Medium pacer, who wasnt even part of the original squad. I say this becuase it effects the physical prepartaion and the mental state of the person, leave alone match fitness. Through out the match Rahat bowled at 135 kmph. He was immaculate with his line and lengths, but wasnt aggressive himself. That required some aggressive bolwers at the other end. But what did we have, Gul. Though Junaid always shows some fire. But the combination is all messed up. No planning at all. Lack of aggression. If Smith would have enforced the follow on, pakistan would have lost the game by an innings and under 3 days.

.

SlingshotPace
on February 13, 2013, 7:36 GMT

Why on Earth did Irfan not play in the first test!?!? You're going to make a bowler fresh from good form sit out and instead play a POS debutant new to INTERNATIONAL CRICKET let alone test cricket???? Oh my Lord, these Pakistani's have some sort of mutation in their blood that apparently doesn't allow them to have the desire to win....to the PCB and anyone involved in selection, you are PATHETIC!!!!

on February 13, 2013, 7:30 GMT

pakistan lacks quality batsmen and experianced bowlers...all hands up...deep in our hearts we know that we dont have that fire power to coup with africans...they are far ahead...misbah is good captain but bad/slow batsman who dont know how to make runs in front of quality test bowling...hafeez isnt a test material, younis has passed his prime, azhar ali and asad shafiq can resist but cant turn the table, nasir is a decent enough batsman but he cant play 2 sessions straight away....thats it

on February 13, 2013, 7:10 GMT

If Irfan plays, Misbah has to use him very carefully in short bursts preferably with new cherry and/or on proper time. As for Irfan, he must have to put emphasis on his line & length because his fitness won't allow him to bowl spell more then 5-6 overs. Gul should either be rested and Tanvir should get a chance in 2nd test as his track record against SA is pretty decent OR Gul should get rid of his useless short pitch deliveries which can never trouble bounce loving SA batting lineup atleast at 135-138kph :) plus no new ball for Gul as it was never an option for him, seriously. Junaid is handling his responsibility quite well so nothing much to say for him. Ajmal must adapt to the condition and Arehman cant be his replacement. Pak batting lineup needs serious adjustments as its a special situation where they are facing the world's best attack and its the time where old legs are needed at frontline. Opening pair is just fine, younus should be tried at 3, misbah 4, shafiq 5 and azhar 6

strudi74
on February 13, 2013, 6:28 GMT

It would be interesting to see Irfan in the side for this game, I'm hoping Pak push SA a bit more. Even though I reckon SA will win fairly comfortably, a strong and improving Pakistan side is good for world cricket as a whole. Bring on the game, the gap has been long!

on February 13, 2013, 6:16 GMT

If Misbah wins a Test match here ..... he will be one of the greatest captains Pakistan ever had

on February 13, 2013, 6:12 GMT

Biggest Test of Misbah as a Captain. Irfan should be included in team as he is the only surprise package left. Rehman be included in place of Ajaml. Rest no change. if at team wants to include Imran Faraht then Younis Khan should be dropped.

soumyas
on February 13, 2013, 4:52 GMT

when some players don't practice sometimes and Media makes it a big issue saying they don't even practice. why don't they make it big when they get injured during same practice matches ? individual players confidence will decide whether to practice or not. it's not up to media or coach.

muneebk
on February 13, 2013, 1:51 GMT

They need to get rid of the selectors who havent got a clue. Always selecting the same old tried and tested players. They need to find new talent from young and stick with them and mould them into great players, as was the case with the selectors 15 20 yrs ago. wasim akram was discovered young, as was inzi, aftidi, razaaq to name a few. Also regarding selection for this series we should bring in irfan and anwar ali he is pakistans equivalant of bhuvenesh kumar we should put some faith in him. Also we need raza hassan who has trouble these sa great batsmen in the past. As for batting we need technical batsmen such as fawad alam and should give umar akmal a chance in tests as test matches improves a batsmens technique alot and shows you parts of your batting that needs improving

on February 13, 2013, 0:51 GMT

I like this Pakistani team. They've got pride and spirit. Of course, as an SA supporter i want them to lose, but I hope they push the saffas all the way.

hamza1982
on February 12, 2013, 22:39 GMT

Are some of the pakistan fans insane? Drop Gul but keep Rahat, even though Rahat didnt even look like taking a wicket? What a joke, some pak fans are mentally troubled.
2nd Test XI for me
Hafeez,Jamshed,Ali,Khan,Ul-Haq,Shafiq,S Ahmed, Gul,Junaid,Irfan,Ajmal. Give the top 7 a chance to redeem themselves.They are the best pak have got. And Gul,Junaid,Irfan are the best fast bowling trio we have....

Vilander
on February 12, 2013, 21:44 GMT

Its a test match, will the 6'11" irfan be able to play for the whole test match, it would be interesting to see pak gamble.

AB_DeVilliers
on February 12, 2013, 21:27 GMT

Why on earth is Umar Akmal not in this team? Surely Pakistan can find a spot for him. As a saffer supporter, I'm happy to see that he's not in the side. Anyway, expect this match to be a closer contest, but SA to win and take the series. Newlands is about 5 mins drive from my house, and as we have become used to, SA don't lose at Newlands (unless it's vs. the great aussie team). Kallis to be MoM.

Desihungama
on February 12, 2013, 21:06 GMT

It sounds funny when folks keep referring to experience and Gul in the same breath. Gul hasn't learned a damn thing in his years of International Cricket. He bowls the same way he bowled when he first came on. Experience means a squat if you don't learn from it and he seems to be not learning a thing from how to bowl when chips are down. At the same time I realize he was never the front line bowlers and was only used in latter stages of game when he is most resourceful with his yorkers. He was just thrust into this role after the demise of Amir, Asif. It's time captain and management redefine his role in the team.

Riz000
on February 12, 2013, 19:50 GMT

For god sake why do u PEOPLE love Mohmad Hafezz??? wat has he done so special he cant face Aus South Africa Eng bowling attack plz get rid of this guy Sarfraz needs to be replaced by Haider and Umar akmal shld b back asap we r wasting a gr8 talent like umer akmal trust me pple the guy is good if he stops playing 20/20 Cricket

khurramsch
on February 12, 2013, 18:21 GMT

Sarfraz has to shopw some batting skills if he wants to claim this position permanently so far in his test/odi/t20 internationals he has failed to do so and pak tail look even more long.

Irfan can be given a cap here.i dont think they gona change gul as apart from gul they havent got any experience and will not take any risk of getting 2 debutant bowlers/tanveer. playing another opener could be a good choice on these conditions but imran farhat is the only option misbah has and if hafeez,jamshed recover well , i dont think they will tinker batting line up.

good luck and hope to see more fight this time after what has been said about pitch.

drKay
on February 12, 2013, 17:36 GMT

Agree wid u guys ,gul should make a way for a good frontline wicket taking bowler ...

pauliangenius
on February 12, 2013, 16:40 GMT

plz play Tanvir Ahmed as he is far better than Irfan and Ehsan adil

Sinhaya
on February 12, 2013, 16:39 GMT

I guess Pakistan will have to drop Umar Gul to make way for Irfan. Gul is great for the shorter formats but a 50-50 for tests as his average shows.

Sports4Youth
on February 12, 2013, 16:33 GMT

@ Syed_imran_abbas :

I Agree that Umar Gul can be dropped to accomodate M.Irfan. Regarding Ehsan Adil, he is a great prospect, a very talented younster. But this is not the stage to introduce a 19 year old. I think they should let him learn from the beanch & practice games. I would like to see the Pace attack comprising of Junaid, Irfan & Rahat, supported by Ajmal or A.Rehman for spin. At this stage the batting should not be tinkered with.

What ever be the outcome of the 2nd test, this time I expect them to put up a better fight.

.

uzairamir
on February 12, 2013, 16:22 GMT

pcb has to take a strong decision and kick gul out of the side he has not been performing good since 2 years and is taking the place of a good young fast bowler

Syed_imran_abbas
on February 12, 2013, 15:43 GMT

Good look boys.. i am sure they will perform better.. Pakistan is lacking a fast bowling allrounder and good wicket keeper batsman.. Umar akmal and haris sohail are far better options for middle order bend strength than faisal n co. id eally i would drop gul and get irfan and ehsan adil in side.

dontlikecricket
on February 12, 2013, 23:45 GMT

Big challenge for Pak. Stats say it all. On this ground only AUS has defeated SA!!
Pak fans should not expect too much from the team. As long as they put a decent performence, they should be happy. SA no doubt are the best with 4 top quality batsmen(Smith, Kallis, Amla, AB) and 3 premier fast bowlers. Any team with 7 high quality players will likely to win.
Saying that PAK despite not having past greats bowlers like Imran, Waqar, Wasim, Asif etc have a decent attack. I know Gul is not favourite among a lot of fans but he has a good fitness level and can bowl a lot of overs in a test. May be he is lucky with Asif and Amir out of the team. Pak managment has done a good job with Irfan and unlike past, they havent rushed him to play a test match. If wicket is slower than the last match, tuck tuck Misbah and Asad should be players to watch for Pak. As long as Pak team bats about 100/120 overs or so (a big if though), they can post a fighting score.
SA to win the test!!!

Syed_imran_abbas
on February 12, 2013, 15:43 GMT

Good look boys.. i am sure they will perform better.. Pakistan is lacking a fast bowling allrounder and good wicket keeper batsman.. Umar akmal and haris sohail are far better options for middle order bend strength than faisal n co. id eally i would drop gul and get irfan and ehsan adil in side.

uzairamir
on February 12, 2013, 16:22 GMT

pcb has to take a strong decision and kick gul out of the side he has not been performing good since 2 years and is taking the place of a good young fast bowler

Sports4Youth
on February 12, 2013, 16:33 GMT

@ Syed_imran_abbas :

I Agree that Umar Gul can be dropped to accomodate M.Irfan. Regarding Ehsan Adil, he is a great prospect, a very talented younster. But this is not the stage to introduce a 19 year old. I think they should let him learn from the beanch & practice games. I would like to see the Pace attack comprising of Junaid, Irfan & Rahat, supported by Ajmal or A.Rehman for spin. At this stage the batting should not be tinkered with.

What ever be the outcome of the 2nd test, this time I expect them to put up a better fight.

.

Sinhaya
on February 12, 2013, 16:39 GMT

I guess Pakistan will have to drop Umar Gul to make way for Irfan. Gul is great for the shorter formats but a 50-50 for tests as his average shows.

pauliangenius
on February 12, 2013, 16:40 GMT

plz play Tanvir Ahmed as he is far better than Irfan and Ehsan adil

drKay
on February 12, 2013, 17:36 GMT

Agree wid u guys ,gul should make a way for a good frontline wicket taking bowler ...

khurramsch
on February 12, 2013, 18:21 GMT

Sarfraz has to shopw some batting skills if he wants to claim this position permanently so far in his test/odi/t20 internationals he has failed to do so and pak tail look even more long.

Irfan can be given a cap here.i dont think they gona change gul as apart from gul they havent got any experience and will not take any risk of getting 2 debutant bowlers/tanveer. playing another opener could be a good choice on these conditions but imran farhat is the only option misbah has and if hafeez,jamshed recover well , i dont think they will tinker batting line up.

good luck and hope to see more fight this time after what has been said about pitch.

Riz000
on February 12, 2013, 19:50 GMT

For god sake why do u PEOPLE love Mohmad Hafezz??? wat has he done so special he cant face Aus South Africa Eng bowling attack plz get rid of this guy Sarfraz needs to be replaced by Haider and Umar akmal shld b back asap we r wasting a gr8 talent like umer akmal trust me pple the guy is good if he stops playing 20/20 Cricket

Desihungama
on February 12, 2013, 21:06 GMT

It sounds funny when folks keep referring to experience and Gul in the same breath. Gul hasn't learned a damn thing in his years of International Cricket. He bowls the same way he bowled when he first came on. Experience means a squat if you don't learn from it and he seems to be not learning a thing from how to bowl when chips are down. At the same time I realize he was never the front line bowlers and was only used in latter stages of game when he is most resourceful with his yorkers. He was just thrust into this role after the demise of Amir, Asif. It's time captain and management redefine his role in the team.

AB_DeVilliers
on February 12, 2013, 21:27 GMT

Why on earth is Umar Akmal not in this team? Surely Pakistan can find a spot for him. As a saffer supporter, I'm happy to see that he's not in the side. Anyway, expect this match to be a closer contest, but SA to win and take the series. Newlands is about 5 mins drive from my house, and as we have become used to, SA don't lose at Newlands (unless it's vs. the great aussie team). Kallis to be MoM.